APCD provides funding for cleaner school buses

By: Contributed Article - Updated: 7 months ago

Posted Apr 24, 2018

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The SLO County Air Pollution Control District announced this week the availability of grant funding for school bus emission reduction projects. Since 2001, APCD grant funds have helped reduce pollution from 119 school buses in SLO County. This program is funded with local fees collected by the DMV, as well as state funds that are administered by the APCD. The primary goal of the program is to reduce the exposure of school children, as well as the general public, to both cancer-causing and smog-forming pollution. The program does not impose any regulatory requirements on school districts and their participation in the program is voluntary.Studies have shown that diesel emissions can cause decreased lung function in children, and diesel engines account for a disproportionate share of the toxic fumes in urban air. Emissions from new diesel school buses are more than 90% lower than buses that are even just 15 years old. Many viable models of zero-emission electric buses are now available, which produce no tailpipe emissions at all and are eligible for increased grant funding.Funds are currently available for public school bus grants – interested San Luis Obispo County school districts should complete the application found on the APCD web site: http://www.slocleanair.org/community/grants/schoolbus and return it to the APCD. The deadline to apply is May 4, 2018. Any questions regarding school bus grants can be directed to Vince Kirkhuff at [email protected] or 805-781-4247.